In early 2021, a total of 550 BC Hydro lights attached to wooden utility poles were upgraded in Qualicum Beach, changing them from HPS lights to LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. This was done as a result of federal regulations requiring all street light ballasts containing PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) to be removed by the end of 2025. LED’s were selected because they use less energy, are more reliable, last longer, are more sustainable, and were the only option offered by BC Hydro.
February 8, 2023 - In response to resident complaints generated by the new lights, Council directed staff to initate a complaint process. The first intake for light change-out requests closed at the end of February 2023, and the second intake closed in August 2023.
In early October 2023 - 124 streetlights identified by residents as problematic were changed from 75-watt to 39-watt LED lights, and from 4000k to 3000k luminaire colour temperature. Lights on arterial routes were excluded from change-out.
